MONTICELLO 'Corley Reserve' Cabernet Sauvignon | 2014
MONTICELLO 'Corley' Proprietary Red Wine | 2014
MONTICELLO 'Estate' Merlot | 2014
2014 was one of the more memorable vintages of the last decade! The two prior harvests of 2012 and 2013 had provided abundant and high quality crops, and the winter of 2013/2014 was one of the driest on record. Two large harvests and a dry winter led us to believe that 2014 might be a smaller vintage, but some nice rains in February and March gave the vineyards just the drink they needed to get going! We had a steady, consistent growing season, yet were rocked by a massive earthquake on August 24, 2014 centered right here in Napa. There was no haste in tending to the barrel cleanup after the earthquake, as we already had started crushing some of early wines, sparkling and rose. Most of our reads were picked a little earlier than normal, at full ripeness, with rich, robust dark berry flavors and ripe, fully resolved tannins. It was a special year by all accounts!
MONTICELLO 'Corley Reserve' Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
I find beautifully expressive aromas of dark black and blue berries, cassis, mocha and hints of sweet toasted vanilla oak and spice tones. On the palate the wine is richly textured, wonderfully balanced from front to back with dark ripe flavors, full body, and robust tannins. It has a long, lingering finish with a rich texture and slight grip that will help this wine age gracefully for 20 or more years. Drink through 2037.
-Winemaker Chris Corley
92 points - Wine Spectator
92 points - James Suckling
92 points - Jeb Dunnuck
91 points - Wine Enthusiast
91 points - Connoisseurs Guide
5 Stars - Ronn Wiegand 'Restaurant Wine'
MONTICELLO 'Corley' Proprietary Red Wine 2014
38 % Cabernet Sauvignon | 32 % Cabernet Franc | 30 % Merlot
I find wonderfully tantalizing aromas of black and purple fruits, spicy and vibrant, with undertones of sweet toasted oak and mocha. On the palate the wine is alive with a warm, round mouthfeel and soft texture. The Cabernet Sauvignon provides a terrific foundation, the Cabernet Franc is spicy and lively, while the Merlot brings a warm sensibility to the blend. This wine will gracefully for 20 or more years. Drink through 2037.
-Winemaker Chris Corley
92 points - James Suckling
90 points - Wine Enthusiast
4 Stars - Ronn Wiegand 'Restaurant Wine'
MONTICELLO 'Estate' Merlot 2014
In this wine, I find bright red berry aromas, cherry and raspberry, dried floral tones intertwined with hints of mocha, vanilla and cola. On the palate, I find the wine both relaxed and invigorating. There is a wonderful round midpalate that is well-balanced on a beam of acidity. The framework of gentle tannins leads this wine into a lingering finish that is both full, yet bright. This wine will gracefully for 20 or more years. Drink through 2037.
-Winemaker Chris Corley
